Factsheets

Find out more about astronomy with our new range of factsheets, created by HCO astronomers. These are only the first few factsheets, and many more are currently being made, so like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to keep up to date with our latest information, tips and advice.

Astronomy

Astronomy is a rewarding hobby and it is very easy to get started. A starry sky on a dark clear night is a wonderful sight: your astronomy can begin with your unaided eyesight, and you can do even more with a pair of binoculars...

The Solar System

The Inner Planets are the four planets which have the closest orbits to the Sun. These are Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. It is this close proximity to the Sun that allowed the the temperatures for the rock and metal to condense more...

The Outer Planets are the four planets which have the furthest orbits to the Sun. These are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. They planets formed far out from the Sun warmth past the frost line, where the low temperatures allowed ice condense more...

A Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, meaning that the Moon is in the Earth’s shadow. These can cause the Moon to go red, and are easy to observe with the naked eyemore...